Photovoltaic module

Abstract

A photovoltaic module includes an encapsulated photovoltaic element and an infrared transmissive decorative overlay simulating conventional roofing.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A process for producing a photovoltaic module comprising:
 (a) providing a photovoltaic module including a semiconductor stack encapsulated in an infrared transmissive resin and covered with a top plate, and 
 (b) adhering an overlay film bearing a pattern to the top plate using an infrared transmissive adhesive material, the pattern being formed by pigment selectively absorbing portions of the visible spectrum, the pattern further including an infrared transmissive ink on at least a first portion of the overlay film and an opaque ink on at least a second portion of the overlay film. 
 
     
     
       2. A process for producing a photovoltaic module comprising:
 (a) providing a photovoltaic module including a semiconductor stack encapsulated in an infrared transmissive resin and covered with a top plate, and 
 (b) adhering an overlay film bearing a pattern to the to plate using an infrared transmissive adhesive material, the pattern being formed by pigment selectively absorbing portions of the visible spectrum, wherein at least a portion of the overlay film is free of the ink. 
 
     
     
       3. The process of  claim 1 , wherein the photovoltaic module is incorporated into a roofing cover. 
     
     
       4. The process of  claim 2 , wherein the photovoltaic module is incorporated into a roofing cover.